PREPARATIONS are already under way for celebration events to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The town of Prudhoe plans to go big with their event to mark the date, with a family party.

Next year’s early May bank holiday will be moved back by four days to Friday, May 8 for the whole of the UK to coincide with the anniversary.

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end in Europe.

Events to mark the anniversary will take place throughout Europe and Prudhoe’s county councillor Gordon Stewart said he hoped the town would be a very big part of the celebrations.

He encouraged people to get in touch via email or telephone if they had ideas for what could take place, or would like to be involved in organising the community event.

He said: “We know that people in Prudhoe are very supportive of the Armed Forces past and present and would like to show their appreciation for the service people who gave so much during the Second World War, by keeping this country safe.”

And it’s not just in Prudhoe where plans are being made to mark the day.

On August 10, 2020, Hexham Town Council plans to host a VE Day celebration with a picnic on the Sele, including a 1940s-themed fancy dress competition.